5 Workplace Buzzwords for 2019

While VUCA, digitalization, and enterprise transformation may have dominated the HR buzzword list of 2018, we share a curation of five workplace buzzwords that you may hear increasingly in 2019.

The way we work has changed over the years, advanced technologies and innovative processes have introduced an inventive panoply of words in the workplace. These corporate neologisms always come in a mixed bag including ideas that are really relevant to practitioners, and at times, words that are utterly confusing. In any case, these terms are important because they indicate current trends, workplace issues, and the evolution of digital HR.

Workation: Workation is a portmanteau, combining the words work and vacation.Definition –A workation is a vacation that allows you to work remotely while integrating elements of leisure that let you unwind, relax and be more productive.The idea of a workation is to get work done by taking time away from work. Workations have emerged as a popular engagement strategy for organizations in the US and Europe. Collaboration tools and advancement in workplace productivity technologies have made it easier for employees to stay on top of work from remote locations while enjoying some time off from the hustle of everyday life.

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses):Definition – MOOC is an open-licensed online learning program delivered to a large number of a geographically dispersed and diverse range of learners. E.g., Udemy, Khan Academy, Coursera, etc.The concept of open online courses first gained popularity when Ivy-league universities started offering their own skill development courses. Gradually, MOOCs permeated the corporate learning space which is estimated to be a $150 billion industry. Quizzes, homework, and course credits helped MOOCs legitimize and formalize their learning methods which makes MOOCs a great L&D tool for organizations of all sizes. Organizations like AT&T, GE, and L’Oreal have already started partnering with MOOC providers to bolster their employee training programs.

Gigonomics:Definition –Gigonomics is a neologism which refers to an economy where everyone has a gig instead of a job.At a time when employees are working longer than ever and living paycheck to paycheck, gigs provide an alternative to traditional jobs. Gig workers enjoy a certain amount of personal and financial freedom that typical 9-5 jobs cannot provide. The word was first coined by Tina Brown in 2009 to describe gigs as, “free-floating projects, consultancies, and part-time bits…”Apps, technologies, and the increasing importance of skills today have given a boost to the gig economy. Gigonomics is transforming virtually every aspect of the workplace. In fact, in its latest Human Capital Trends report, Deloitte advises HR leaders and organizations to optimize their workforce ecosystem for gig workers to stay ahead of the curve.

Rightsourcing:Definition – Rightsourcing is selecting the best way to recruit talent, deciding whether to insource or outsource the recruitment initiative.Rightsourcing helps HR teams evaluate multiple options and then take a data-informed hiring decision for the organization. With the widening skills gap, it is becoming harder for inhouse recruitment teams to find highly qualified candidates. Rightsourcing helps optimize the hiring process and build a pipeline of great-fit candidates through multiple recruitment channels.

Zero Drag:Definition –A physics term implying frictionless movement of a physical object, the term is also used to describe employees who have no familial obligations (no-spouse, no kids).Zero drag hiring is a discriminatory hiring practice that favors candidates with no spouse or kids over candidates with families, for their ability to take on extra assignments, respond to emergency calls, or relocate when the need arises. The term is widely associated with Silicon Valley startups and dotcom employers that encourage a Zero Drag way of life.

What buzzwords have you heard in the workplace recently? Let us know in the comments below.